A neck-to-neck test between the BMW R1800B - Harley-Davidson Street Glinde and the Indian Chieftain would be exciting. Suspension travel, frame, engine, brakes, acceleration, maybe even a track test! The time is right.
Thank you Jordan for that assessment. This bike has great optics. I rode a BMW boxer for 14 years, sold it and bought a RoadGlide. At the time I didn't know the R18B existed. The RoadGlide loses its smoothness above 3200 rpm. Since I don't have a need to wrap the motor about 3k rpm, I see an R18B in my future.
It's the first time that I listen to a reviewer who participated to the BMW launch event in Germany (i watched on TH-cam tons of videos of that events from magazines all around the world...) who had the courage to openly make a brief comparison between this R18B and a Street Glide: well done. I'm an HD Touring models passionate (in my TH-cam channel there are videos of some of my HDs) but I must admit that these R18B and Transcontinental got my attention: the statuary and iconic Boxer engine and the level of details are really something. On march 12th I'm going to get my new R18 Transcontinental (fully optional) by the local dealer. Let's see what happens on the road. If it doesn't work out... I'll go back to HD!
Great review. I bought one and have clocked close to 1000 miles already - all rides have been less than 5 hours. I also own a Road Glide - the emergency maneuvers and braking on BMW are better. The seat is not great after 4 hours and I would rather take my Road Glide on a multi-day tour. But the looks of the BMW 🤩
Love my 2023 - test road it at Americade ‘23 - and traded up my ‘23 Multistrada for it and love. A former 2x HD Road Glide owner prior to my 2016 Gold Wing so I’ve ridden XC twice on the HD RG. I’ve decided to settle down with the R18B and love it. What bike doesn’t vibrate? And my bike’s exhaust is incredible. Great ride.
It's a weird motorcycle from BMW. Personally, I don't think they can compete with HD in this market category, BMW just doesn't have the same appeal and legacy in this market. I think the neo sporty cruiser would've been suited BMW better.
A neck-to-neck test between the BMW R1800B - Harley-Davidson Street Glinde and the Indian Chieftain would be exciting. Suspension travel, frame, engine, brakes, acceleration, maybe even a track test! The time is right.
Thank you Jordan for that assessment. This bike has great optics. I rode a BMW boxer for 14 years, sold it and bought a RoadGlide. At the time I didn't know the R18B existed. The RoadGlide loses its smoothness above 3200 rpm. Since I don't have a need to wrap the motor about 3k rpm, I see an R18B in my future.
It's the first time that I listen to a reviewer who participated to the BMW launch event in Germany (i watched on TH-cam tons of videos of that events from magazines all around the world...) who had the courage to openly make a brief comparison between this R18B and a Street Glide: well done. I'm an HD Touring models passionate (in my TH-cam channel there are videos of some of my HDs) but I must admit that these R18B and Transcontinental got my attention: the statuary and iconic Boxer engine and the level of details are really something. On march 12th I'm going to get my new R18 Transcontinental (fully optional) by the local dealer. Let's see what happens on the road. If it doesn't work out... I'll go back to HD!
Like to see a comparo vs the Street Glide and Chieftain.
A nice review presentation, I heard what I needed to know, thank-you Jordan.
Glad it was helpful!
Can you even see the road past that dash and screen?
Totally impractical for my needs and price point, but I love what BMW have done with this bike.
I’m a fan myself and I ride sports bikes. It’s well put together.
Probably have to admit it. So true also in my case. Drop by budd.
Great review. I bought one and have clocked close to 1000 miles already - all rides have been less than 5 hours. I also own a Road Glide - the emergency maneuvers and braking on BMW are better. The seat is not great after 4 hours and I would rather take my Road Glide on a multi-day tour. But the looks of the BMW 🤩
28000 My God that's Expensive
Love my 2023 - test road it at Americade ‘23 - and traded up my ‘23 Multistrada for it and love. A former 2x HD Road Glide owner prior to my 2016 Gold Wing so I’ve ridden XC twice on the HD RG. I’ve decided to settle down with the R18B and love it. What bike doesn’t vibrate? And my bike’s exhaust is incredible. Great ride.
Nice. Comprehensive and straight to the point. :) You got my like.
p.s. Hope to test it soon and upload it. :) Keep up.
I want those bags on the R18. This would be the best combination for me.
£28000 you must be joking if BMW sells more than a dozen in the UK I will eat my crash helmet.
Haha first time same price like in Austria. In germany only 26 000 Euro
It's been a year or so, did you have to eat the helmet? 😄
Are the bags hard? And are they quick release?
Does it come in right hand drive, I'm in Canada
Each to there own springs to mind great review
Both exhaust pipes should be hot or warm but they are not on this machine !?
Vibration depends on ride mode apparently. Rock will vibrate and roll wont as much.
Needs a sidecar...
It's a weird motorcycle from BMW. Personally, I don't think they can compete with HD in this market category, BMW just doesn't have the same appeal and legacy in this market.
I think the neo sporty cruiser would've been suited BMW better.
lean angle?
You MCN lot have really got your reviews sorted now. I could watch them all day. Well done! 👍
Glad you like them!
Do you see where you're going ??? :)
BMW want you to be able to plan your route and music before you get on the bike ( and review it after ) hence the media system link to your phone.
It’s a nice bike. Triumph needs to dress up their Rocket 3 and it would EASILY compete with this.
nice 🔥
Thumbs up 👍
Thanks 🔥
Good review
Glad you enjoyed it
Why does the bike sound so bad? It’s crazy. I know it’s not mega important but my god what a horrible noise.
breaks mate! you forgot to talk about the breaks.
*brakes
But the BMW is not made from a bunch of parts sourced all over the world and only assembled in US.
Just get a honda vtx1800 for 3k and call it a day...
Rideable sewing machine.
A too expensive lump.
Yep
r18 sucks Vs Harley or Indian….k16000 destroys them all
Worst looking bike i`ve ever seen in my life.... not a fucking bagger
no way on earth it can go round corners